BKS1 Radio Network

Artist Review: Alvin Darling

If one were to stroll down the corridors of Alvin Darling’s maze of a mind, they would find many locked doors. Those doors are closed to the many hurdles and heartaches Darling has overcome in his life. After almost forty up and mostly down years in the gospel music industry, Darling’s 2005 single “All Night” became a surprise Top 5 gospel radio smash and turned his swan song into a new beginning. It is with this new chapter in his life that Darling can now say “My Blessing is on the Way” (Emtro Gospel) on his new CD of the same name.

Darling has always been grateful for the little things in life. Growing up with virtually nothing, he appreciated the small blessings like his grandmother’s watchful eye. Raised in a Newark, New Jersey ghetto, his parents left him to be raised by his paternal grandmother, Lilla Frances. Darling’s parents never married. His mother was too young to raise a child and his father was just too busy. When asked if it was true that his father had sired 13 children, Darling cracks, “I stopped counting. I got brothers right here in New Jersey that I have never met.”

So, Lilla Frances was Mama, Daddy, brother and sister to Darling. “I thank God for my grandmother because she was pretty strict,” he concedes. “She was the reason why I was in the church and the reason why I was in the Pentecostal church which is a little different from just being in church. That got me in touch with the Lord because they more or less physically seek God. In those days, they had tarry meetings. They are very strict and it kept me from getting too wild in the world. Seeking God and praying all night long you can’t help but be more conscious of God and too tired to sin. ”

Read more Alvin Darling Bio: www.emtro.com/alvindarling

Topic: Is Age Just A Number?

Age Ain't Nothing But A Number, Or Is It? Older women in their late 30's are dating younger men in their 20's. Older men, almost any age over 20 dating young women from 18. Today, most people are dating or finding mates much younger, either due to finance, social lifestyle, or actual companion or have trouble finding mates their own age. Some people may want to date younger but are actually scared or feel guilty, women fear being called or feeling like "cougars" men might feel or be thought of as "father" figures or "sugar daddy's".

Others actually enjoy dating younger for "lifetime fulfillment" recapturing their own youth or sexual stimulation or they just want to be treated a certain way. Women like when younger men make them feel young again and older women make young men feel like Real caring passionate men.

Also older men and women like to control their younger mates and sometimes play mother and father figures. Why do older women, older men date young men, young women? Is age really just a number? Does age really matter as long as the relationship is good and both mates are being treated the way they want or need to be treated and both ages and mentalities are respected as well as many differences, should age really matter?

Artist Review: Vesta Williams

A powerful singer and underrated songwriter, Vesta Williams released a number of quality singles and albums during the late 80s and early 90s, and has been one of the most sought-after session vocalists of the past two decades.

Born in Coshocton, Ohio, Vesta moved to California as a child and performed in a family act with her sisters in the Los Angeles area. After high school she moved back to Ohio and joined the group Wild Honey, formed by Ron Townsend of the 5th Dimension (who was Williams' cousin). Williams' big voice and impressive tone were similar to Chaka Khan, and she was soon developing a solid career as a jingle singer as well as a backing vocalist for singers ranging from Gladys Knight to Sting to Anita Baker. Ironically, by the 1980s she was touring with Khan as a backup singer.

Vesta's increasing notoriety in the music industry led to a meeting with producer David Crawford, who assisted in landing her a contract with A&M Records. Her debut album, Vesta, was produced by Crawford, Gary Taylor and others and included the hit "Once Bitten, Twice Shy," which hit the R&B top ten. Williams assumed a greater role in the creation of her 1988 follow-up, Vesta 4 U, and the results were notable. The excellent disc included two top five hits, "Sweet Sweet Love" and the beautiful ballad "Congratulations," which became a signature song for Vesta and a Quiet Storm staple.

Read more Vesta Williams Bio: www.zimbo.com/vesta_williams

Read more about Vesta Williams: www.vestawilliams.com

Topic: Pornography

Pornography has definitely become mains stream in today’s society. A few decades ago it was viewed as taboo, but now it seems to be a part of the sexual diet.  Does viewing Pornography destroy or damage sexual relations within a relationship? What effects does viewing pornography have on the brain? Does pornography inspire sex crimes?  Tonight on Live in The Vocal Booth we are going in deep on pornography and the effects it has on those that view it.


Special Guest: Comedian Talent


They often say that you can tell a lot about a person from their name. In this case, TALENT embodies the definition with full force. TALENT’s comedic style is firmly grounded within his innate ability to combine impromptu humor and an instinctive timely delivery.  Often referred to as comeds “King of New York"; with his natural ability to bring laughter into household and venues has headlined his own comedy shows and tours as well as making special appearances on such reputable programming as; BET’s Comic View, HBO’s Snaps & Def Comedy Jam and earn the position as host of New York’s 98.7 KISS FM’s Morning Show. TALENT’s capacity for achievement  and success is an ever evolving journey.


TALENT has been cast alongside such celebrated actors as, Danny Devito, Marisa Tomei, Rosie Perez, John Leguizamo, Vanessa Williams and more. His growing theatrical resume includes appearances in movies, “Sunset Park”, “Full Court Press”,”A Brother’s Kiss”,”Fulgazi”, “My Brother” and “With or Without You”. Destined to become an icon and one of the most successful talent’s in the entertainment world, TALENT’s comedic gift stretches far beyond the stand-up circuit. He has loaned his voice to national commercials, music album collaborat­ ions with such celebrities as, producer-rap superstar, Missy Elliott.


The multi-dimensional TALENT has extended his range with an interlude as a contributing writer for The Source Mag­ azine, one of the largest urban/hip hop magazines. TALENT’s column, “Joker’s Wild” offered frank commentaries with an impressive list of “acclaimed” comedians.

While he continues to headline at every premier comedy club in the United States and abroad such as Caroline’s on Broadway, Showtime at The Appollo and many others, the comedian who has put a trademark  on finding humor in the dynamics of  life by entertain­ ingly reminding us not take all this too serious, because...” IT’S JUST COMEDY!”  is one of the most sought after comedians in the business.


The seasoned comedian who currently resides in New York City has dedicated over 20 years to his profession. Although this era may seem like a lifetime to some, the past 20 years have merely laid the foundation of a greater, wiser and stronger rise of successes yet as TALENT says “To this day, he is just getting started”. TALENT’s tireless efforts continue through acting, endorsements, development  deals, television scripts and entertainment  venues.


As they say laughter is the best medicine and humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded while keeping in mind ...IT’S JUST COMEDY!!

TONIGHT ON bks1radio.com at 10pm est "Has the spiritual righteous man/woman gotten too critical and judgmental for the unrighteous man/woman?" No matter what religious belief you have there was once a time when the pressures of the world came down on you, you could seek comfort and guidance in going to a church, mosque, kingdom hall etc to reestablish a link for inner peace.

Today, though in a lot of these spiritual dwellings there is a pressure amongst members to live a certain way according to their interpretation of that religion. Are the righteous chasing away the unrighteous from God? If God is love why are we so critical and hard on those who are new to that way of life? If I eat pork can I still study Islam? If I have a drink on occasion will I burn in hell for eternity? If I forget 1 day of the Passover will I not be Jewish? In these days of such hate and anger what can be done to embrace the lost instead of pushing them away?

Let's discuss this tonight in the vocal booth!!! Call in 646 233 1302. We are rating and reviewing  gospel artist William Murphy and his new project "God Chaser" also in studio guest the smooth singing E-Bland! Also special guest Phil Gates will be joining the vocal booth team to discuss his upcoming projects.

Artist Review: William Murphy III

Most gospel music fans know the smash hit “Praise Is What I Do”—the title track from Shekinah Glory Ministries’ 2002 gold-selling album—much better than they do the name of its writer, William Murphy. But that is about to change, and in bold and dramatic fashion.

With the release of William’s own label debut album, The Sound, the world can now hear the amazing voice and deeply moving songs of a young man who already is one of the brightest lights in the firmament of contemporary praise & worship music.

Possessing a voice that is nothing short of stunning, in range and dynamics, and with seasoned hit-makers flare for instantly accessible, engaging and unforgettable words and music, William makes music that crosses all lines of age, creed and color. William Murphy makes for the masses, and The Sound is the calling card introducing one of the most formidable talents in contemporary music.

Recorded live before a vocally enthused and inspired audience, The Sound runs a gamut of musical influences from modern gospel, urban, R&B, rock and pop, all drawn together into a brilliant and original combination that defies easy, preexisting categories. Don’t bother with labels. Just call it William Murphy, and be prepared to be amazed.

Read more William Murphy III bio: www.newreleasetuesday.com

Special Guest: Elijah Bland

ELIJAH BLAND brings a refreshing dimension to the modern world of soul music. Coupled with powerful lyrics and soulful grooves, his silky smooth delivery is a gift that has touched many around the world. His sound fuses elements of jazz, funk and R&B to create a unique brand of soul music.

The multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer, and musician embodies a humble expression of soul that fits the mold of a true artist.  Largely influenced by jazz and soul records from his childhood, Bland is a self-taught musician who has been tuning his uncanny ear for music since anyone can remember.

Elijah was born and raised in Hackensack, New Jersey, a suburb of New York City, where he generally kept his artistic abilities under the shell of being a lifetime athlete. After a successful college basketball career and receiving his bachelor's degree, he turned to his creative side and focused much of his time on songwriting and production. In writing for other artists, however, he realized a voice of his own that would become the tool he used to pursue his career as an independent recording artist. It was then that he decided to follow his passion and turn his life over to music.



In April 2007, Bland released his debut album "Just Me..." (under the name "E. Bland") and quickly earned the respect of music lovers everywhere.  With a fitting title, Bland was at the helm of all writing, production and recording. His first musical effort garnered immediate international reach, including sales in more than 20 countries around the world.



His sophomore release "Soulcentric" (August 2008) has received rave reviews!  It includes the hit singles "Necessary", "Talk To Me", and "Sugar High" (featuring Grammy-nominated soul singer, Wayna). With an overwhelming response since its release in November 2007, "Necessary" quickly became a MySpace.com favorite and has been in rotation on Internet, satellite and mainstream radio stations around the world.  In 2009, "Talk To Me" made its debut on the nationally syndicated Michael Baisden Show and "Necessary" was nominated for Best R&B Song in the 9th Annual Independent Music Awards.



His first new release in almost five years, Elijah's latest EP "Freedom" (January 2013) has given music lovers exactly what they have been waiting for.  The EP features the sexy hit single "For The Record" and provides an encouraging preview of his highly-anticipated third full-length album.

On stage, he leads his band as its lead vocalist and primary keyboard player, and has been known to play nearly every instrument on stage at some point during the show. Elijah has performed throughout the United States, touching countless lives with positive, uplifting music.  In 2012, Elijah performed on the world-renowned Capital Jazz SuperCruise, in a lineup of legendary Jazz and Soul artists, including George Duke, Gerald Albright, Will Downing, Lalah Hathaway, Boney James, Dwele, Yolanda Adams, Eric Roberson, and many more.

Anyone who knows this man can attest to his undying passion and love for creative expression. He is also an accomplished graphic designer and voiceover actor. With a healthy blend of passion, purpose, faith, and love, Elijah Bland is committed to sharing his gifts with the world, one soul at a time.

Special Guest: Phil Gates

For Barbados native Phil Gates, it was life lived in the birthplace of hip hop – the New York Bronx - that would later shape his professional destiny.  Even while working as a legal assistant, Gates still found one foot in the action on the streets. When trouble threatened to upend his life, he made a prayer and promise – that if no knock at his door came he’d leave his old life behind and go into the music business.

After finding encouragement to leave his other life, a friend with a group signed to Strong City Records, a label out of MCA (with acts at the time like Masters of Ceremony, Busy B and others), showed him a way. Before long Gates used his introductions and began managing and eventually forming his own label, also going through MCA. 35 years later Phil Gates has more than kept his promise – he has excelled in it. Now respected as a music, television and film producer, it was a successful path that Gates chose, leading him to work with household names and in fact helped to build many. From his early introductions and influences such as Grand Puba, Afrika Bombatta & DJ Jazzy Jeff, to his work developing artists while pushing them into the mainstream; Gates continues forging new inroads.

His earlier life lived with a foot in both worlds helped to build a unique business savvy allowing Gates to maneuver the boardrooms of major labels and corporations, but also giving him the edge in working with raw, underdeveloped artists. His leadership and marketing talents led him deeper into the field with the task of overseeing the national promotions of major labels such as Warner Bros, RCA, WEA Distribution and others. By the time the new millennium rolled in he was seasoned enough to take on working with hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons; managing his personal promotions and a host of other tasks under RUSH Communications - from clothing, books, and fragrance lines to international marketing campaigns. He worked with the label for seven years until it folded, then reinvented his position by staying on to manage Simmons’s adopted son – Cavalli.

At one point in his career, not liking the direction that many of the major labels were headed, Gates pooled his money and resources to create his own. Projects during this era include an act he had signed to Cardiac Records called True Culture. After having honed himself into a successful player in the industry, Gates started his own brand with the launch of PG World Wide Media. He has since maintained solid industry relationships while extending into areas such as film and TV projects. His management roster has included the Brand Nubians and Jaheim among others, while his effort to get music where it needs to be is evident in songs such as Eric Benet’s Georgy Porgy. Gates says the key to good management lies in his ability to adjust to all circumstances. “You have to know how to take the good with the bad, take the bad and remix it and make it good. You can’t fly off the handle at every bad thing that happens, you have to be able to assess it and make the right decisions - move forward in the right direction.” He prides himself on being “an entrepreneur of the hip hop décor”; joking that in true West Indian fashion he does a lot. He is known for working indefatigably at getting his talent where they need to be, using excellent managerial skills and positive outlooks.

“Fortunately or unfortunately I never had anything that the people wanted, I always had to make something that the people want. Like when I had Brand Nubians – their name was brand new at the time and it took us almost a whole year to work that ‘All For One’ record and get people to stick to it and make them a household name - same thing with Jaheim at Warner Brothers.” His work in making and shaping the artists and/or their records includes groups like SWV and artists like Grand Puba.

His current film project ‘Blame It on the Hustle’ features Ving Rhames, Steven Segal, Mekhi Phifer, DMX and more. It is based, in part, on true elements from his and his friend’s lives - with the underpinning message of what results from the love of money, greed and the effect of double crossing the mob. The film emphasizes how the negativity takes a good thing and turns it bad, while highlighting the intricacies of the related men and their families. “I want to do something that hasn’t been done before.” Gates explains about the film. While still realistically portraying the turmoil on the streets, Gates reminds youth it is just a movie, and encourages them not to emulate what they see in films or hear in music. In underscoring this message he has teamed with friend Michael Tucker, an activist who founded the organization ‘Lay the Guns Down’ – in the wake of Tucker’s son having been gunned down by police. In various joint efforts such as these, Gates in this way directly ties into community work and youth related programs, including offering summer internships on his projects.

His leadership skills and work as an Executive Producer finds him currently helming a TV project for the Miami based lifestyle and talk show The Sara Shulevitz Show: Legal Fashionista that initially debuted in NYC on ABC Live Well Network HD and is now aired on NBC Non-Stop, every Monday at Midnight. Featured in 2013 in EBONY Magazine, Gates expounds on the project and the star studded cast.

Phil Gates takes 35 years in the industry and spreads his work into multiple genres, using his strong spiritual foundation, leadership skills and work ethic to erect projects that are not just good entertainment, but ones he hopes will impact the world.

Special showing at 430 pm Live In The Vocal Booth! Join us as we rate and review New Kids On The Block and their new project "10" and then Saturday's LIVB TOPIC "Has America swept racism under the rug?" Amidst all the problems in the world, some would say racism is on the decline. We have had our 1st black president voted in office for a 2nd term, the number of minorities in this country is on the rise, even gay Americans no longer hide but speak their voice openly and proudly!

Where has the racist gone or has he just changed along with the times? What is worse? Physical prejudice or Economical prejudice? Since 9/11 we are no longer white Americans or black Americans or Spanish Americans we are Americans verse the world. Is it fair to say that that is a worldly Prejudice? Or should we be accidental racist like Brad Prisley & LL Cool J? Join US as we discuss this  Sat afternoon 430 pm LIVE IN THE VOCAL BOOTH! Call in 646 233 1302!

Artist Review: New Kids On The Block

New Kids on the Block (also initialized as NKOTB) are an American boy band from Boston, Massachusetts, assembled in 1984 by producer Maurice Starr. The band consists of brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood. New Kids on the Block enjoyed success in the late 1980s and early 1990s and have sold 80 million records worldwide. They won two American Music Awards in 1990 for Favorite Pop/Rock Band, Duo, or Group and Favorite Pop/Rock Album. After having disbanded in 1994, several attempts were made to get the group back together, all of them unsuccessful.

After secretly reuniting in 2007 and recording a new CD, the group released that new album and embarked on a concert tour in 2008. The album, entitled The Block, was released on September 2, 2008. New Kids on the Block was listed as number 16 on Rolling Stone's Top 25 Teen Idol Breakout Moments. The group was on tour with the Backstreet Boys in 2011–2012 as NKOTBSB. The supergroup first performed live together on November 21, 2010 at the American Music Awards on ABC and again on 2011 New Year's on ABC's Dick Clark/Ryan Seacrest show. Along with the Backstreet Boys, the group is set to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013.

Read more NKOTB bio: www.wikipedia.org/